Flashing light for renwal

**SeaScoundrel** · January 15th, 2013, 03:37 PM

I'm new to living in the bay area and am in need of taking flashing light to renew my license. Does anyone know if I can get this knocked out at CMA or know who to contact there to set this up? I know you can do it at TMA no problem, I figured Cal would have a similar set up. Thanks.

**dredgeboater** · January 15th, 2013, 05:01 PM

Last time I had to look it up there were no schools that offered it between San Diego, CA and Portland, OR. I ended up doing it in Portland during a trip up there along with RADAR renewal. CMA only was approved through the academy side not their continuing education. You could try and contact them though and see if they offer it now. I believe it is called CMA Extended Learning now.

**jdcavo** · January 16th, 2013, 05:11 AM

Originally Posted by SeaScoundrel

I'm new to living in the bay area and am in need of taking flashing light to renew my license. Does anyone know if I can get this knocked out at CMA or know who to contact there to set this up? I know you can do it at TMA no problem, I figured Cal would have a similar set up. Thanks.

You do not need flashing light to renew a license. You need it to upgrade (for unlimited licenses).

**dredgeboater** · January 16th, 2013, 06:59 AM

Very true. Skipped over the renew part.

**SeaScoundrel** · January 16th, 2013, 08:52 AM

It'll be a renewal/upgrade on an unlimited license, so I'm still stuck with having to take the test. I was hoping there was a place a little closer to home.

**Pikuptruk** · January 17th, 2013, 04:18 AM

You may be able to take it at the REC in Oakland.... The NMC website usually has lists of available locations for various tests...

**dredgeboater** · January 17th, 2013, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by Pikuptruk

You may be able to take it at the REC in Oakland.... The NMC website usually has lists of available locations for various tests...

RECs have not offered flashing light exams for 4 years.

**injunear** · January 17th, 2013, 09:13 AM

Originally Posted by dredgeboater

RECs have not offered flashing light exams for 4 years.

What do the schools charge for the flashing light exam now? Seems like a rip-off when a computer generated test would be so easy to administer at the RECs.

Years ago, my FCC morse code tests were generated on the old Instructograph machines. On 2 occasions, I have witnessed two CG examiners that lacked mechanical skills to operate these machines.

**dredgeboater** · January 17th, 2013, 09:22 AM

Originally Posted by injunear

What do the schools charge for the flashing light exam now? Seems like a rip-off when a computer generated test would be so easy to administer at the RECs.

Years ago, my FCC morse code tests were generated on the old Instructograph machines. On 2 occasions, I have witnessed two CG examiners that lacked mechanical skills to operate these machines.

Depends on the school. I want to say the last time I had to do it I looked at PMI and it was $200 or so. Took it at a smaller school, Columbia Pacific Maritime in Portland, OR and I think it was $100.